House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise health insurance laws in Montana to expand coverage for hearing loss to individuals of all ages, rather than limiting it to children. The bill amends Sections 2-18-704 and 33-22-128 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). Specifically, it removes the age restriction on coverage for hearing loss, changing the language from "children with hearing loss" to "persons" with hearing loss, thereby ensuring that all individuals, regardless of age, can receive necessary diagnosis and treatment for hearing loss.

In addition to expanding coverage, the bill stipulates that health insurance plans must provide treatment for hearing loss that is deemed medically necessary and prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. It also specifies that coverage may include one hearing device with required accessories for each ear every three years, as determined by an audiologist. The bill maintains that benefits for hearing loss treatment should not limit other physical health benefits available to the covered individual and outlines that coverage may be subject to standard deductibles and copayments.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 2-18-704, 33-22-128
HB0607_1(1): 2-18-704, 33-22-128
HB0607_1(2): 2-18-704, 33-22-128
HB0607_1(3): 2-18-704, 33-22-128
HB0607_1(4): 2-18-704, 33-22-128
HB0607_1: 2-18-704, 33-22-128